Abstract:
Introduction: Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disorders. Standard treatments include topical anti-inflammatory agents including corticosteroid but limits usage because of their long term side effect. Silver nano molecule contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
Objective: To compare efficacy and safety between silver nano particle gel and 1% Hydrocortisone for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Material and methods: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled, comparative study, enrolled atopic dermatitis patient, age range between 18 to 50 years. The subjects were randomized to receive either silver nano particle gel or 1% hydrocortisone gel as the controls. The study will follow very 2 weeks for 4 visits at the baseline, 2-week, 4-week and 6-week visit (end-point). The clinical outcomes include the assessments of severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD score), Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration (Corneometer) and adverse effects.
Result: Twenty-seven subjects with atopic dermatitis were enrolled. The SCORAD score of those on both groups were significantly better declined at week-2, week-4 and week-6 than the baseline (p < 0.001). 1% hydrocortisone group was significantly greater SCORAD score, TEWL and skin hydration reduction than silver nano particle, p = 0.0008 , p=0.0002 and P = 0.0217, respectively at endpoint visit.
Conclusion: 1% hydrocortisone gel had better efficacy in term of SCORAD score, TEWL reduction and skin hydration than silver nano particle gel for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, silver nano particle gel can be used an alternative treatment for atopic dermatitis to minimize long-term side effects from topical corticosteroid.